1977, UK/USA, Lewis Gilbert
The Spy Who Loved Me is by far the most popular of the Roger Moore Bond movies in terms of fan adoration and critical response. Let me assure you then that it is not without qualms that I confess to finding it somewhat disappointing on repeat viewings. Since Ian Fleming gave […]
1981, USA, John Irvin
Adapting a popular book is not a rewarding task. Fans of the book will be lining up to bash the film because it missed out their favourite bits, re-arranged events or just didn’t capture the mood of the text. On the other hand, if a film is too faithful to the book, […]
1980, USA, William Peter Blatty
Sometimes you see a film which is completely unique. The Ninth Configuration is one of those films, which is both its strength and its weakness. It’s based on the novel Twinkle Twinkle ‘Killer’ Kane by William Peter Blatty, which, despite his rather stodgy prose, is very interesting.
The plot of the film […]
1969, UK/USA, Peter Hunt
It is with some caution that I admit that On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is my favourite Bond film, one which I have seen and enjoyed more times than I care to mention. It’s been shockingly underrated for the simple reason of casting, and its merits took time to become apparent. In terms […]
1967, USA/UK, Lewis Gilbert
The huge financial success of Thunderball meant that the James Bond franchise had to go some if it was to keep the initiative. Several imitation series were now appearing, such as the Matt Helm and Flint films, and Bond was no longer the novelty that he was back in the first half […]
1965, USA/UK, Terence Young
Thunderball marks a significant turning-point for the Bond films. Building on the larger-than-life style of Goldfinger, the film is less a spy thriller than a lavish action movie in which the plot is a secondary consideration. It is, therefore, surprising that so much of this fourth Bond film is concerned with setting […]
As the great Forry Ackerman used to say, “Hooray For Horrorwood!” Mindful of the coming season of witches, ghouls, goblins and other things that go bump in the night, I have devoted this week’s Hollywood Ten to movies that send a chill down my spine. Sometimes it’s a pleasurable frisson and occasionally it’s a full […]
This week on The Hollywood Ten I want to take a sideways look at the career of one of America’s finest directors. Sidney Lumet has been rightly honoured for his many popular and critical successes: 12 Angry Men, Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon, Network, Prince Of The City and suchlike. But his career is interesting for […]
1985, US, Guy Hamilton
I saw Remo Williams back in 1986 on its all-too brief showing in UK cinemas - when it was called Remo: Unarmed And Dangerous - and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 23 years later, I’ve just had a great time watching it again and am rather baffled that it’s not better remembered.
The plot […]
1998, USA / UK / Luxembourg, Russell Mulcahy
Talos The Mummy is not a film to be missed. It is a film to be avoided at all costs. Appropriately, it matches an abysmal screenplay with supreme incompetence in direction. Even the special effects are rubbish.
The best thing about the film is Christopher Lee, who bravely bellows […]